In grades 9 and 10, students continue to explore their imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability. Students also gain confidence and enthusiasm as they develop technical skills in two and three dimensional forms of expression and composition. Students are able to identify and solve problems in visual and tactile forms. They also learn how to develop ideas from initial attempts to final solutions as they prepare for the winter and spring art exhibitions.
The aims of the visual arts courses are to:
- Engage and experiment with a range of media, materials and techniques, including new media and technologies, where appropriate
- Experience of working in relevant frameworks and exploration of manipulative skills necessary to form, compose, and communicate in two and/or three dimensions
- Develop a working vocabulary relevant to the subject, an interest in the subject, and a critical awareness of other practitioners, environments, and cultures
- Build analytical, experimental, interpretative, practical, technical and expressive skills which aid effective and independent learning
In grades 11 and 12 art classes, students will study the IB Visual Arts (SL, HL) course offered. The IB Diploma Programme Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought-provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.
The aims of the IB arts subjects are to enable students to:
- enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts
- become informed, reflective, and critical practitioners in the arts
- understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts
- explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place, and cultures
- express ideas with confidence and competence
- develop perceptual and analytical skills
In addition, the aims of the IB visual arts course at SL and HL are to enable students to:
- make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural contexts
- become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture and media
- develop skills, techniques and processes in order to communicate concepts and ideas
Students are assessed both internally and externally at the end of Grade 12 through IB examinations. The internally assessed components are also externally moderated by IB.
